I have a 2004 Mini Cooper, 104k miles, one year old to me, no warranties. I took it in to get the transmission flush recommended every 50k miles and my mechanic (trustworthy) told me the previous owners NEVER did it, so if I did it now, it would destroy my car. As a result of this neglect, my transmission is failing. Signs so far (besides the word from my mechanic) is the high rpm when trying to go from 50-70mph, it struggles and shoots up to 5rpm, dropping once it hits 70. I still have $10,000 left on my loan. My questions: will anyone buy this car with a problem like this and if so, what can I ask for? Or, if I replace the transmission, what can it cost me? Is a used transmission worth it or will that die on me too? Is it worth it to buy a brand new one on a car with this many miles or can I still get at least 5 years of good life out of it? The rest of the car is in good shape, brand new steering pump, regularly maintained. What else could go wrong? Is the transmission the biggest part to have to worry about in the car and the main thing that keeps it going? So many questions, any input at all will help.
[][:@]

 

I would go visit someone other than your "trustworthy" mechanic before you do anything rash. I have seen a number of automatic trannys in various vehjicles go 200,000+ miles without an oil change. Sure it is a good idea to change the oil, but not doing so doesn't necessarily spell certain diasaster. Could be that all that is required is a simple service by a competent transmission mechanic. Go see one before you work yourself up too much more.